Player Profile: Matthew James
September 3rd, 2012 // Player Profiles,Team News // Richard Boydell
Matthew James
Matthew ‘Titch’ James is the Vaders all time leading goalscorer and has been a permanent feature of the front line since the first ever Vaders game. Has established a lethal striking partnership with Ieuan Morris but has the ability to play alongside anyone.
He probably doesn’t pass enough, doesn’t train often enough and has a little pout now and then but is always good for a goal, no matter how well he’s playing. Has tried his hand at right back and midfield in some games, whilst also expressing a strange desire to play centre back or goalkeeper, but everyone knows, including himself, that the Vaders need him leading the line.
Skillful, deadly in front of goal and not afraid to mix it despite his size, his hard work and constant running sometimes goes under-appreciated, and can unfairly miss out on Man of the Match votes due to the expectation of him to score goals no matter what. There’s no danger of us allowing him to play in goal, but look out for him topping the scoring charts again this season.
Quick-fire Questions
Favourite position?
Striker
Favourite Vaders moment?
Scoring the winning penalty to get the Vaders to the cup final.
Worst Vaders moment?
Losing the cup final.
Bush Kangaroos (3) vs (3) Garth Vader FC
September 2nd, 2012 // Match Reports,Team News // Robert Boydell
Match stats:
Richard Boydell
Matthew James
Richard Boydell
Matthew James
Liam Barry
Gareth Hanbury
The Vaders second game of the season provided a six goal thriller with all goals being scored by the Vaders. Weird then it should finish 3-3, but you guessed it the Vaders somehow managed to score 3 own goals in a single match.
The Vaders couldn’t have asked for a better start and with around 1 minute gone a fantastic cross from Striker Robbie Walters saw the leaping salmon Richard Boydell provide the sweetest of glancing headers into the back of the net.
The Bush, looked shapeless and shell-shocked and it could have turned out to be a long day for them.
Pressing the Vaders as hard as they could, The Bush pushed up and saw a completely ridiculous decision given their way as Stephen “Moomin” Gould put in a perfectly legal tackle (albeit a cruncher) and the Bush were awarded a penalty.
Goalkeeper Cookie stepped up to the plate and pulled off a Schmeichel-esque save to keep the score at 1-0.
A break ten minutes later saw the Bush equalize with Allan Thomas being done for pace on the right only for the cross to parry in off CB Scott Sainsbury and make it 1-1.
This was the wake up call the Vaders needed and soon after on the 40 min mark Titch put the Vaders up by 2-1.
Following the break the Bush looked a lot more dangerous as the Vaders pushed for a third. This came via a stunning pass into the feet of Richie Boydell who calmly placed the ball around the Bush goalkeeper.
Confidence was now high, and with around 20 minutes to go fresh legs were brought on in the way of Blackie for Robbie Walters, Robert Boydell for Liam Barry (Rich Boydell moving into CM) and Allan Thomas made way for youngster Morgan Evans.
These decisions looked to be good ones with the Vaders pressing once more and with the Bush feeding off the scraps. These scraps were enough though to provide a free kick around 25 yards out for the Bush. Struck fairly well it passed the 3 man wall only to hit CB Scott Sainsbury and send Cookie the wrong way.
5 mins to go and the Bush pressed hard believing they could get an equalizer. A corner with 1 minute left looked an easy one to defend, however new signing Morgan Evans unexpectedly ducked on the front post allowing the ball to find the net.
3-3 with no time left saw the ref blow his whistle and the Vaders left disappointed. 2 points dropped, by both forced and un-forced errors. The Vaders will need to pick their heads up for next week’s game as it’s last years premiership cup winners in this years cup competition.
Changes are afoot….
Man of the Match: Richard Boydell
Cock of the Week: Scott Sainsbury (2 own goals)
Quote of the Day:
Player Profile: Ieuan Evans
September 2nd, 2012 // Player Profiles,Team News // Richard Boydell
Ieuan Evans
Due to a number of injuries and long periods of not turning up, Ieuan hasn’t had many chances to play and has often found himself as substitute. This has led to his greatest claim to fame – his goals-per-minute ratio, which he may have mentioned to you at some point.
Able to play on both wings or up top, his speed and school-kid-like direct running causes a lot of problems for defenders and he’s not afraid to run at anyone. Has lots of natural ability and good technique when striking the ball, and will get better with match experience and a slightly more reserved approach.
Fast, athletic and skillful, he could be a great asset if he stopped falling over after a 15 yard sprint and listened out for his teammates shouting instructions. Can only get better and if he stays fit could be a great impact player as shown in glimpses in season 1 & 2.
Quick-fire Questions
Favourite position?
Striker
Favourite Vaders moment?
Playing in the Vaders vs Veterans Charity match with all the boys supporting the cause.
Worst Vaders moment?
Spending 2 seasons out injured.
Player Profile: Richard Boydell
September 1st, 2012 // Player Profiles,Team News // Richard Boydell
Richard Boydell
A Vader from day one and a main stay in the starting 11 for the first 2 seasons, Rich has occupied every position at least once with the exception of centre back. His flexibility has been of great help to the Vaders but has also been to his own detriment on times, having not being able to hold a regular position. During the first season he occupied a centre midfield role and excelled in the 4-5-1 formation which allowed him to get forward and get some shots off (he likes shooting), and bagged a few goals.
After recovering from an ankle injury which saw him out for 8 weeks, new squad additions and Lee Isaac’s shift patterns clashing with Vader fixtures, Rich occupied the right wing for most of season 2. It remains to be seen if he can reclaim a centre midfield role in the new season or we’ll see him chop and change again.
Fast, determined and with a kick like a mule, he’ll be hoping his aging knees don’t slow him down too much and will be looking to add more than the 2 goals he scored in season 2 (he REALLY likes shooting).
Quick-fire Questions
Favourite position?
Centre midfield
Favourite Vaders moment?
Scoring winning goal vs Bridgend Pumas or the Vaders winning the semi-final shootout against Lamb & Flag
Worst Vaders moment?
Being subbed against St Pat’s after 35mins
Player Profile: Allan Thomas
August 31st, 2012 // Player Profiles,Team News // Richard Boydell
Allan Thomas
Allan ‘Cwtch’ Thomas has been at the heart of the Vaders defence since the start and, a few howlers aside, has been a consistent performer and is usually the voice of the back four. Has a competitive side which sometimes sees him ‘take one for the team’ and enjoys a good argument with the ref and the opposition.
He’s never missed a penalty (yawn), is really fit (zzz) and gives the best cwtches known to man. Always good for a Cock of the Week vote (sometimes unfairly), but also puts in some Man of the Match performances. Comfortable across the whole of the back four, his adaptability has seen him occupy a place in the team almost every game since the Vaders begun.
Very good in the air for his size, strong in the tackle and a great communicator, Cwtch puts his body on the line for the team and is a Vader through and through. As always, competition for places in the defence is hotting up so he’ll need to keep his performances up to ensure he remains ever-present.
Quick-fire Questions
Favourite position?
Centre Back
Favourite Vaders moment?
Beating the pats last season.
Worst Vaders moment?
Losing the cup final and waking up most sundays still pissed!
